Ultraviolet and Ozone Lamps
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Generally, there are three types of ultraviolet germicidal tubes: namely, the hot cathode germicidal tube, the cold cathode germicidal tube, and the slimline germicidal tube. They each have their salient points, and selection for a particular design must take into consideration the cognizant factors such as cost, tube life, intensity, temperature factors, environmental conditions, tube size and a host of other design elements.
Hot Cathode Tubes
Hot Cathode Tubes have the same electrical characteristics of a standard preheat type fluorescent tube. They operate on typical preheat (starter type) circuits such as quick or trigger start. Tungsten filament electrodes located at the ends of the tube are coated with emission material and these electrodes govern tube life. Tube life is somewhat nebulous because of certain factors. The number of "on and off" cycles plays a significant role in tube life. In addition, the tube burning cycle is affected dramatically if operated in cold ambient temperatures such as cooling rooms, refrigerators, etc. Hot cathode lamps are frequently hard to start at low temperatures.
Cold Cathode Tubes
Cold cathode lamps do not have tungsten filaments for electrodes. Instead, they are fitted with a firm solid cylindrical electrode at each end of the lamp. No starters are required since the lamp is started by means of high voltage input. Interestingly enough, the cold cathode tube electrodes rarely wear out. Thus, tube life is governed by the UVC transmission capability of the tube glass. (Refer to Section 8 of this bulletin for more information.) This type tube works excellently in cold atmospheres, and the high voltage starting features virtually assure instant starting even in freezing conditions.
Slimline Germicidal Tubes
Slimline germicidal tubes have similar electrical characteristics to slimline fluorescent lamps. Like the cold cathode tube, it does not require a starter and uses high voltage for starting. An interesting feature of this lamp is that it starts cold by the high voltage shock but operates with the electrodes hot. Tube life is governed by the life of the electrodes. The most popular of the slimline germicidal tubes is the G36T6 series. It's possible to operate the G36T6 at four different current levels of 120, 200, 300 or 420 milliamperes. This allows four different UVC outputs.